Border health

This section of the Ministry’s website contains guidance and information about border health protection and health quarantine procedures in New Zealand, including the requirements for ships and aircraft arriving in New Zealand from overseas.

Border health protection aims to limit and respond to the international spread of diseases and other public health threats. Protection measures seek to prevent harm to human health, including the health and wellbeing of international travellers, aircraft and ship crew, and the general public.

The Ministry of Health leads this work. Regional health authorities work with other agencies with border control responsibilities, including security, customs, biosecurity, maritime and aviation transport, animal health, policing and immigration responsibilities.

While border health protection measures seek to protect the New Zealand public, it is important to recognise that New Zealand is part of the global community. We are committed to contributing to a collaborative and joint response with other countries.

Our international airports and seaports must have capacity to identify and manage potential public health risks. Public health units assess these ports annually to ensure they meet requirements.
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